Ringing in the festive cheer

Excitement is in the air with star-spangled skies and decked up Christmas trees heralding the festive season.  Most families in the city have made time in their busy schedules to spend Christmas with their loved ones.

Homemade goodies, gifts and elaborate meals are what make Christmas truly meaningful for many these days. For Rashmi and Roshan Cherian P, Christmas means decorating the house, decking up the tree and helping their mother make delicious goodies. They say that the warmth and sense of togetherness hasn't changed over the years. Rashmi starts baking cakes and cookies a week before Christmas. These are then distributed among close friends.

"Christmas is the only time when the whole family comes together. I bake marble and sponge cakes as well as make jam and cream cookies. We bake the fruit cake much in advance. We have friends and family visiting us
on Christmas," says Rashmi. "Each member of our household is assigned a particular task for Christmas and this also makes the occasion special for us all. My brother Roshan helps in decorating the house and it is his responsibility to make the house look attractive," she adds.

The celebrations in Suja George's house begin well before Christmas and a hearty meal is prepared on Christmas day. Suja's husband George Koshy, who works overseas, makes it a point to be home for Christmas. Their children, Rhea and Rohan, and pet Oreo wait eagerly for Christmas to arrive.
"Our celebrations begin a day or two before Christmas with every member of the family getting to be a part of the 'Secret Santa' game. We buy special gifts for each other which are exchanged a day before Christmas," says Suja. She adds that cooking is a big part of Christmas. "I make doughnuts, 'chaklis', 'kalkals', rose cookies and the fruit cake. The main menu on Christmas day comprises traditional Christmas dishes made with chicken, mutton and fish," says Suja.

Angelin Grashes makes sure she spreads the Christmas cheer by inviting her friends home to partake in the excitement. "Our Christmas celebrations begin with a visit to the orphanages where we distribute clothes and cakes," she says. She adds that she assists her mother in making many Christmas delicacies. "We make 'chakli', rose cookies and cake. The Christmas lunch is a lavish affair with 'biryani' and the choicest of dishes in chicken and fish," she
signs off.